Published Date: Apr 22nd, 2024
With the next UK Parliament general election due to take place before the end of January next year, residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID.
All people voting in person at the general election will now need to show photographic ID at the polling station. Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, older persons or disabled persons bus pass and Young Scot card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper at the UK general election. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station, on the Electoral Commission’s website.”
Shona Cameron, Electoral Services Manager at Fife Council, said: “With a UK general election due before the end of January 2025, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote when the election is called.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to the Electoral Services Team, Fife House, North Street, Glenrothes, KY7 5LT. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral registration office by emailing election.enquiries@fife.gov.uk or call 03451 55 55 11.